THE FRIENDS OF FORT TRUMBULL TO PRESENT NEW LONDON NOTABLES AND THE COMING OF THE DEUTSCHLAND

THE FRIENDS OF FORT TRUMBULL TO PRESENT NEW LONDON NOTABLES AND THE COMING OF THE DEUTSCHLAND

Posted by June Hoye, Community Contributor

The merchant submarine-"The Deutschland".

The merchant submarine-"The Deutschland". (Posted by June Hoye, Community Contributor)

Community Contributor June Hoye

At their August meeting, The Friends of Fort Trumbull will present Deborah Donovan who will speak on New London Notables and the Deutschland. In 1916, right after the completion of State Pier, The Deutschland, a German merchant submarine, was the first ship to visit the new installation. Because of German Submarine warfare during World War I and the fairly recent sinking of the Lusitania, one can imagine the controversy such a visit would create.

However, a number of New London notables supported this visit- Former Congressman Bryan Mahan, the "Father" of State Pier, Mayor Ernest Rogers, Day Publisher Theodore Bodenwien, and Alton Miner, President of the Chamber of Commerce. Ms. Donovan will examine the attitudes within the community toward welcoming a ship flying the flag of an "Almost" enemy nation and the unintended consequences of that visit.

Ms. Donovan has an MA in American Studies from Trinity College. She recently retired as Director of Economic Development and Marketing for the Southeastern CT Enterprise Region. She is the current Treasurer of the New London Landmarks and a member of the Thames River Heritage Park Transition Team. She also serves as past President, Treasurer, and long-time board member of the New London County Historical Society.

The meeting will take place on Thursday, August 25, 2016, at the Fort Trumbull Conference Center, 90 Walbach Street, New London, CT at 7 p.m. The public is welcome to attend this free presentation. New members are always welcome. Come early as seating is limited. More information about the Fort and the Friends of Fort Trumbull is available at www.fortfriends.org

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